Tag: 3BL

Key Points

• Amanda Cavazos, a technical services engineer at Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, applies a strong chemical engineering and process safety foundation developed through her education and early career experiences.
• Since joining the site in early 2022, she has supported multiple refinery units, optimizing operations and always applying reliability and safety-driven decision making.
• Cavazos shares her expertise through cross-refinery technical meetings, industry conference presentations and community STEM outreach, highlighting the visible impact of engineering work.

At Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, Technical Services Engineer Amanda Cavazos has built a reputation for curiosity, adaptability and a deep commitment to process safety, values she says were instilled early in her engineering education at Texas A&M University. Cavazos, who majored in chemical engineering with a safety certificate, credits the program’s strong process safety culture for shaping her career focus.

“Chemical engineering is a mixture of lots of chemistry, physics and math,” she said, describing the combination that drew her into the field.

^{Cavazos and Process Controls Engineer Victoria Henry review a piping and instrumentation diagram in the Catalytic Reformer unit at the Anacortes refinery}

Her path to refining started at a college career fair, where an introduction to Marathon Petroleum inspired her to take an internship that changed her trajectory. During a planned maintenance project in her first weeks onsite, she found herself climbing inside crude oil distillation columns, an eye-opening experience.

“That’s when I learned that I really enjoyed it,” said Cavazos. “I love the troubleshooting and the optimization. It’s very pure chemical engineering.”

Building a Foundation

Since joining the Anacortes site in early 2022, Cavazos has worked across several units, starting in the refinery’s utilities systems – boilers, flare, cooling water and air systems that keep the entire operation running.

“Those units lay the foundation for everything at the facility,” said Cavazos. “When there’s an issue, it’s very critical to the refinery.”

She later supported gasoline production units, including the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerization units and catalytic reformer, where she developed a strong appreciation for reaction chemistry and optimization strategies. More recently, Cavazos transitioned to support the crude, vacuum, and residuum oil supercritical extraction (ROSE) units, an area she says requires a different skill set. The work involves heavy oil processing, preventive maintenance and planning for exchanger cleanings. If those cleanings aren’t routine, she explained, refinery capacity and economic performance can suffer.

Cavazos says one of the biggest adjustments from college to the refinery was learning to prioritize amid the constant change of daily operations.

“You have to adjust your priorities based on business needs,” she said. “The fast pace is energizing. Sometimes you can make a big impact when you’re able to shift those priorities to critical business needs.”

Her safety background continues to guide her daily decision making.

“Safety is the highest priority, and it’s very evident from our leadership,” said Cavazos.

Every task begins with the same question: How does this affect safety? The refinery’s investigation process makes sure lessons are captured to prevent repeat incidents. Cavazos says this emphasis resonates deeply with her.

“It’s very important to me personally, and I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations,” she said.

“Safety is the highest priority…I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations.”

Sharing Knowledge 

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Cavazos participates in Marathon’s face-to-face technical meetings, gatherings that bring engineers and operators from multiple refineries together to exchange ideas, troubleshoot issues and discuss technology. She has attended sessions at Marathon’s refineries in Garyville, Louisiana, and Detroit, Michigan, and values the broad perspective they offer.

Her expertise was also showcased at an American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) conference, where she presented on naphtha hydrotreater fouling mitigation, a technology that has delivered significant benefits to the refinery.

Her manager, Kyle Cassidy, said Cavazos’ strong technical abilities and professionalism have already made a meaningful impact.

“Amanda represented our refinery exceptionally well at AFPM, presenting a complex technical topic with clarity and confidence,” Cassidy said. “She also attended the previous year’s conference as our Emerging Leader candidate, which speaks to the trust and respect she’s earned early in her career. She brings curiosity, discipline and a genuine drive to grow, qualities that make her a standout engineer and a great ambassador for our site.”

^{Amanda Cavazos (right) volunteered with Lauryn Humphreys and Elise Conception for the Science at Work Night at Island View Elementary School in Washington. Students explored the wonders of STEM with hands-on demos, including a fun experiment with non-Newtonian fluids by the Marathon Petroleum volunteers.}

Inspiring the Next Generation

In the community, Cavazos helps lead the refinery’s participation in the Island View Elementary School science night, an opportunity she calls a way to connect with kids and talk to people in the community who may see the local refineries but don’t really know what they do.

Her advice for young people considering engineering is simple.

“A variety of different experiences is going to help you learn what you really enjoy,” she said. “Stay open to unexpected opportunities.”

Refining, she added, is a career where engineers can clearly see the impact of their work.

Key Points

• Amanda Cavazos, a technical services engineer at Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, applies a strong chemical engineering and process safety foundation developed through her education and early career experiences.
• Since joining the site in early 2022, she has supported multiple refinery units, optimizing operations and always applying reliability and safety-driven decision making.
• Cavazos shares her expertise through cross-refinery technical meetings, industry conference presentations and community STEM outreach, highlighting the visible impact of engineering work.

At Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, Technical Services Engineer Amanda Cavazos has built a reputation for curiosity, adaptability and a deep commitment to process safety, values she says were instilled early in her engineering education at Texas A&M University. Cavazos, who majored in chemical engineering with a safety certificate, credits the program’s strong process safety culture for shaping her career focus.

“Chemical engineering is a mixture of lots of chemistry, physics and math,” she said, describing the combination that drew her into the field.

^{Cavazos and Process Controls Engineer Victoria Henry review a piping and instrumentation diagram in the Catalytic Reformer unit at the Anacortes refinery}

Her path to refining started at a college career fair, where an introduction to Marathon Petroleum inspired her to take an internship that changed her trajectory. During a planned maintenance project in her first weeks onsite, she found herself climbing inside crude oil distillation columns, an eye-opening experience.

“That’s when I learned that I really enjoyed it,” said Cavazos. “I love the troubleshooting and the optimization. It’s very pure chemical engineering.”

Building a Foundation

Since joining the Anacortes site in early 2022, Cavazos has worked across several units, starting in the refinery’s utilities systems – boilers, flare, cooling water and air systems that keep the entire operation running.

“Those units lay the foundation for everything at the facility,” said Cavazos. “When there’s an issue, it’s very critical to the refinery.”

She later supported gasoline production units, including the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerization units and catalytic reformer, where she developed a strong appreciation for reaction chemistry and optimization strategies. More recently, Cavazos transitioned to support the crude, vacuum, and residuum oil supercritical extraction (ROSE) units, an area she says requires a different skill set. The work involves heavy oil processing, preventive maintenance and planning for exchanger cleanings. If those cleanings aren’t routine, she explained, refinery capacity and economic performance can suffer.

Cavazos says one of the biggest adjustments from college to the refinery was learning to prioritize amid the constant change of daily operations.

“You have to adjust your priorities based on business needs,” she said. “The fast pace is energizing. Sometimes you can make a big impact when you’re able to shift those priorities to critical business needs.”

Her safety background continues to guide her daily decision making.

“Safety is the highest priority, and it’s very evident from our leadership,” said Cavazos.

Every task begins with the same question: How does this affect safety? The refinery’s investigation process makes sure lessons are captured to prevent repeat incidents. Cavazos says this emphasis resonates deeply with her.

“It’s very important to me personally, and I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations,” she said.

“Safety is the highest priority…I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations.”

Sharing Knowledge 

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Cavazos participates in Marathon’s face-to-face technical meetings, gatherings that bring engineers and operators from multiple refineries together to exchange ideas, troubleshoot issues and discuss technology. She has attended sessions at Marathon’s refineries in Garyville, Louisiana, and Detroit, Michigan, and values the broad perspective they offer.

Her expertise was also showcased at an American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) conference, where she presented on naphtha hydrotreater fouling mitigation, a technology that has delivered significant benefits to the refinery.

Her manager, Kyle Cassidy, said Cavazos’ strong technical abilities and professionalism have already made a meaningful impact.

“Amanda represented our refinery exceptionally well at AFPM, presenting a complex technical topic with clarity and confidence,” Cassidy said. “She also attended the previous year’s conference as our Emerging Leader candidate, which speaks to the trust and respect she’s earned early in her career. She brings curiosity, discipline and a genuine drive to grow, qualities that make her a standout engineer and a great ambassador for our site.”

^{Amanda Cavazos (right) volunteered with Lauryn Humphreys and Elise Conception for the Science at Work Night at Island View Elementary School in Washington. Students explored the wonders of STEM with hands-on demos, including a fun experiment with non-Newtonian fluids by the Marathon Petroleum volunteers.}

Inspiring the Next Generation

In the community, Cavazos helps lead the refinery’s participation in the Island View Elementary School science night, an opportunity she calls a way to connect with kids and talk to people in the community who may see the local refineries but don’t really know what they do.

Her advice for young people considering engineering is simple.

“A variety of different experiences is going to help you learn what you really enjoy,” she said. “Stay open to unexpected opportunities.”

Refining, she added, is a career where engineers can clearly see the impact of their work.

by Justin Winter and Harry Boyle, Impax Asset Management

The need for expanded, upgraded, and more sustainable infrastructure is creating a range of high-quality investment opportunities.

​Population growth, demographic shifts, and technological innovation are driving demand for new systems. Existing assets need to be made more resilient to rising pressures from climate change, security threats, and less predictable usage. At the same time, infrastructure nearing the end of its useful life must be replaced.

​Sustainable infrastructure encompasses the supply of basic resources, such as energy, water, and food, as well as services society relies on, such as healthcare, finance, and digital connectivity.

​Within this, electricity infrastructure stands out as a critical enabler of modern life and economic growth. The electrical grid is the backbone of electrification, digitalization, and decarbonization. As demand for electricity accelerates and more renewable generation comes online, the grid must expand and become smarter.

​This article explores what the grid really is, why it is under unprecedented strain, and how long-term structural trends — from ageing assets to climate adaptation — are driving compelling investment opportunities.

We also highlight a case study to illustrate how investors can gain exposure to this transformative theme. Read Justin and Harry’s full article here– https://greenmoney.com/powering-the-future-investing-in-grid-infrastructure

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by Justin Winter and Harry Boyle, Impax Asset Management

The need for expanded, upgraded, and more sustainable infrastructure is creating a range of high-quality investment opportunities.

​Population growth, demographic shifts, and technological innovation are driving demand for new systems. Existing assets need to be made more resilient to rising pressures from climate change, security threats, and less predictable usage. At the same time, infrastructure nearing the end of its useful life must be replaced.

​Sustainable infrastructure encompasses the supply of basic resources, such as energy, water, and food, as well as services society relies on, such as healthcare, finance, and digital connectivity.

​Within this, electricity infrastructure stands out as a critical enabler of modern life and economic growth. The electrical grid is the backbone of electrification, digitalization, and decarbonization. As demand for electricity accelerates and more renewable generation comes online, the grid must expand and become smarter.

​This article explores what the grid really is, why it is under unprecedented strain, and how long-term structural trends — from ageing assets to climate adaptation — are driving compelling investment opportunities.

We also highlight a case study to illustrate how investors can gain exposure to this transformative theme. Read Justin and Harry’s full article here– https://greenmoney.com/powering-the-future-investing-in-grid-infrastructure

=====

by Justin Winter and Harry Boyle, Impax Asset Management

The need for expanded, upgraded, and more sustainable infrastructure is creating a range of high-quality investment opportunities.

​Population growth, demographic shifts, and technological innovation are driving demand for new systems. Existing assets need to be made more resilient to rising pressures from climate change, security threats, and less predictable usage. At the same time, infrastructure nearing the end of its useful life must be replaced.

​Sustainable infrastructure encompasses the supply of basic resources, such as energy, water, and food, as well as services society relies on, such as healthcare, finance, and digital connectivity.

​Within this, electricity infrastructure stands out as a critical enabler of modern life and economic growth. The electrical grid is the backbone of electrification, digitalization, and decarbonization. As demand for electricity accelerates and more renewable generation comes online, the grid must expand and become smarter.

​This article explores what the grid really is, why it is under unprecedented strain, and how long-term structural trends — from ageing assets to climate adaptation — are driving compelling investment opportunities.

We also highlight a case study to illustrate how investors can gain exposure to this transformative theme. Read Justin and Harry’s full article here– https://greenmoney.com/powering-the-future-investing-in-grid-infrastructure

=====

Over the past year, we’ve seen companies retrench their CSR staffing and programs in response to economic and stakeholder pressures. However, there is a bright spot – the renewed focus on employee engagement. Given these uncertain times, CSR leaders are understanding the importance of building high-impact employee engagement programs.

CSR Talent Group has over 30 experts in employee engagement, averaging more than 15 years of experience, working across the Fortune 1000. We are placing these experts in environments where participation rates are lagging and strategy, implementation, and measurement (or all three) need strengthening.

Recently, we’ve helped our clients:

• Revamp an employee engagement strategy
• Address immediate capacity needs for a global volunteer day
• Fill in on a fractional basis to manage an employee engagement program during maternity leave

Using their deep field experience across multiple industries, our experts can:

• Assist with developing impactful stakeholder strategies
• Provide seamless staffing and program support
• Identify and implement software solutions and systems
• Create leadership-worthy communications plans

The result is a set of cohesive programs that align employees’ day-to-day work with purpose, culture, and long-term impact.

If you’re struggling with lack of leadership buy-in, misaligned strategies, declining engagement levels, communicating your impact, or a general capacity deficit, we have your solution. Get in touch.

CHICAGO, February 25, 2026 /3BL/ – The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI), today announced its significant 2025 impact, including over $10 million in strategic grants and a new company record of more than 125,000 employee volunteer hours. These milestones reflect the Foundation’s three core pillars: uplifting the first responder community, empowering the next generation of innovators and inspiring a global employee culture of volunteerism. 

Uplifting the First Responder Community 

A 2025 report revealed that police officers are 54% more likely to die by suicide than the average civilian, and firefighters remain more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

This crisis is more than a statistic; it is a personal battle for those on the front lines. To help address this urgent need, the Foundation supports programs like First Responders’ Bridge, which provides a lifeline to individuals like Sgt. Brandon Qualls, a police officer in Muncie, Indiana.

“I’d decided that I was going to take my life … it was very soon after that when my wife came to me about the Bridge,” said Sgt. Qualls. “A speaker was talking about the symptoms of PTSD, and I remember thinking that described a lot of what was going on with me. The Bridge, without a doubt, saved my life.”

In 2025, the Foundation awarded over $5 million to first responder programs, including $1.9 million for mental health and wellness, $1.5 million to support the families of the fallen and $1.3 million to programs focused on recruitment and leadership development to counter staffing shortages.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

The Foundation’s commitment to innovation directly confronts a critical challenge: students from under-resourced high schools are less than half as likely to complete STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees compared to their peers from higher-resourced schools, according to a 2025 report. To help dismantle this barrier, the Foundation committed more than $5 million to programs providing technology and engineering education.

“This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of college but also motivates me to keep striving for excellence,” said Kang, a recipient of William Rainey Harper College’s Motorola Solutions Foundation Engineering Pathways and Award for Excellence Scholarship. “[The Foundation’s] generosity has made a real impact on my journey, and I hope to one day pay it forward.” 

This targeted investment supports students at every stage of their academic journey. From hands-on technology activities and vocational skills to teacher development and scholarships, the Foundation helps convert students’ interests into careers, cultivating a robust pipeline of innovators for the future. 

Inspiring a Global Culture of Giving Back

The impact of the Foundation’s strategic grants is amplified by employee commitment. In 2025, Motorola Solutions employees logged over 125,000 volunteer hours in 40 countries, and the Foundation issued over $1.3 million in employee matching donations.

“Giving back is a deeply personal journey, and we are committed to helping our employees translate their passions into lasting legacies,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “From matching their volunteer hours to connecting them with non-profits that are personally meaningful, we’re proud to empower our people in all they do as a positive force for change.”

Through the Motorola Matches program, the Foundation amplifies employee engagement by matching both volunteer hours (‘Donations for Doers’) and financial contributions (‘Donations for Donors’). 

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives, and our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is helping to create safer communities. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit our website: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

Media Contact
Sarah Eckhaus 
sarah.eckhaus@motorolasolutions.com
224-329-6600

CHICAGO, February 25, 2026 /3BL/ – The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI), today announced its significant 2025 impact, including over $10 million in strategic grants and a new company record of more than 125,000 employee volunteer hours. These milestones reflect the Foundation’s three core pillars: uplifting the first responder community, empowering the next generation of innovators and inspiring a global employee culture of volunteerism. 

Uplifting the First Responder Community 

A 2025 report revealed that police officers are 54% more likely to die by suicide than the average civilian, and firefighters remain more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

This crisis is more than a statistic; it is a personal battle for those on the front lines. To help address this urgent need, the Foundation supports programs like First Responders’ Bridge, which provides a lifeline to individuals like Sgt. Brandon Qualls, a police officer in Muncie, Indiana.

“I’d decided that I was going to take my life … it was very soon after that when my wife came to me about the Bridge,” said Sgt. Qualls. “A speaker was talking about the symptoms of PTSD, and I remember thinking that described a lot of what was going on with me. The Bridge, without a doubt, saved my life.”

In 2025, the Foundation awarded over $5 million to first responder programs, including $1.9 million for mental health and wellness, $1.5 million to support the families of the fallen and $1.3 million to programs focused on recruitment and leadership development to counter staffing shortages.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

The Foundation’s commitment to innovation directly confronts a critical challenge: students from under-resourced high schools are less than half as likely to complete STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees compared to their peers from higher-resourced schools, according to a 2025 report. To help dismantle this barrier, the Foundation committed more than $5 million to programs providing technology and engineering education.

“This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of college but also motivates me to keep striving for excellence,” said Kang, a recipient of William Rainey Harper College’s Motorola Solutions Foundation Engineering Pathways and Award for Excellence Scholarship. “[The Foundation’s] generosity has made a real impact on my journey, and I hope to one day pay it forward.” 

This targeted investment supports students at every stage of their academic journey. From hands-on technology activities and vocational skills to teacher development and scholarships, the Foundation helps convert students’ interests into careers, cultivating a robust pipeline of innovators for the future. 

Inspiring a Global Culture of Giving Back

The impact of the Foundation’s strategic grants is amplified by employee commitment. In 2025, Motorola Solutions employees logged over 125,000 volunteer hours in 40 countries, and the Foundation issued over $1.3 million in employee matching donations.

“Giving back is a deeply personal journey, and we are committed to helping our employees translate their passions into lasting legacies,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. “From matching their volunteer hours to connecting them with non-profits that are personally meaningful, we’re proud to empower our people in all they do as a positive force for change.”

Through the Motorola Matches program, the Foundation amplifies employee engagement by matching both volunteer hours (‘Donations for Doers’) and financial contributions (‘Donations for Donors’). 

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives, and our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is helping to create safer communities. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit our website: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

Media Contact
Sarah Eckhaus 
sarah.eckhaus@motorolasolutions.com
224-329-6600

February 25, 2026 /3BL/ – A new report from the U.S. Food Waste Pact (Pact), a collaborative initiative of 30 food businesses across the country led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund, shows reductions in the amount of food being wasted nationwide by grocery retail and foodservice companies in 2024 compared to 2023. The results are good news for the food system, as it tries to address its 60-million-ton food waste problem.

This is the second year that Pact signatories have reported these data, with 2023 results serving as the inaugural benchmark for food waste in these sectors. Unsold food rates, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the retail sector, decreased by 1.1% from 2023 to 2024, despite an increase in tons wasted. This means that while market fluctuations and business performance across the retail sector resulted in more food passing through grocery stores, food waste still decreased based on the share of retail inventory that went unsold. The food efficiency rate, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the foodservice sector, decreased by 5.7% from 2023 to 2024, which was accompanied by a 4,000 ton reduction in waste and a $15.9 million decrease in the wholesale cost of surplus food.

“Being able to measure these kinds of trends is a core reason for why we launched the U.S. Food Waste Pact over two years ago,” Jackie Suggitt, vice president of business initiatives & community engagement at ReFED said. “Measuring food waste is critical to making progress to reduce it. This kind of data allows our signatories and food businesses across the country to take informed and targeted action against food waste.”

In addition to these downward trends in retail and foodservice, the report shares that Pact pilot projects to test and scale solutions to food waste resulted in significant reductions. To date, these pilots have demonstrated food waste reduction averaging more than 50%, including:

• Across four pilots, frontline workers have generated 750+ food waste reduction ideas and have implemented over ten ideas, resulting in an average food waste reduction of 66%.
• One whole chain pilot from 2025 that tested a solution to utilize more strawberries in the foodservice sector reduced on-farm strawberry waste by 51%.
• The Pact’s first low-waste events pilot implementing measurement practices and testing several solutions to back-of-house waste reduced 55% of food waste in key food categories across participating sites.

 

“Our pilots show impressive proof of concept that, if brought to scale, could have staggering impacts on food waste,” Pete Pearson, vice president of food loss and waste at World Wildlife Fund says. “It points to the need for more collaboration across the supply chain to leverage simple solutions with high returns.”

“Being a part of the U.S. Food Waste Pact has been incredibly valuable for ALDI,” says Emily Wiora, sustainability director at ALDI US. “As a founding signatory, collaborating openly with our peers has accelerated our progress and provided insights that we excitedly share with fellow signatories. As the Pact grows, so does its impact on reducing food waste nationwide. Together, we are making meaningful strides in food waste diversion and reduction, and we take pride in being part of the retail cohort that established the national benchmark for food waste in our industry.”

A total of 14 food businesses and organizations joined the Pact in 2025, nearly doubling the initiative’s signatory base. Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods established a food distribution cohort for the Pact, and CAVA, Starbucks, and Wawa tripled the quick-service restaurant cohort. Hilton was the Pact’s first hospitality signatory, and at the end of the year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association joined as a coalition signatory, a partner that can reach many organizations. Trade associations Western Growers Association and the International Fresh Produce Association helped the Pact establish a presence in the producer sector, and FMI—The Food Industry Association’s joining marked a critical milestone for the Pact because the association touches every corner of the food system. These signatories and more have expanded the Pact’s work across the entire supply chain, allowing for more collaboration to accelerate impact.

“This was a landmark year for the U.S. Food Waste Pact,” says Dana Gunders, president of ReFED. “Our signatories are deeply invested in learning from each other, and the impact of that shared knowledge shows. Whether on a micro scale through pilots or on a macro scale through their own business initiatives, they are taking data-informed action to reduce food waste, and their collaboration is accelerating progress on that shared goal. We’re excited to deepen our engagement with signatories this year as we focus on expanding our resources and scaling solution adoption.”

The signatories of the U.S. Food Waste Pact are retailers Albertsons Companies, Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, New Seasons Market, Raley’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Inc., and Whole Foods Market; manufacturers Bob’s Red Mill, Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, and Lamb Weston, Inc.; coalition signatories Health Care Without Harm and R&DE Stanford Food Institute; trade associations the American Hotel & Lodging Association, FMI—The Food Industry Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, and Western Growers Association; foodservice signatories Aramark, Compass Group USA, ISS Guckenheimer, and Sodexo USA; quick-service restaurants CAVA, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Wawa; hospitality signatory Hilton; and distributors Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods.

 

About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses and organizations to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through precompetitive working groups, and test and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

 

About ReFED

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with food businesses, funders, solution providers, policymakers, and more to solve food waste. Its vision is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow. The organization serves as the definitive source for food waste data, providing the most comprehensive analysis of the food waste problem and solutions to address it. Through its tools and resources, in-person and virtual convenings, and services tailored to help businesses, funders, and solution providers scale their impact, ReFED works to increase adoption of food waste solutions across the supply chain. To learn more about ReFED and solutions to reduce food waste, please visit www.refed.org.

 

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis.

 

Media Contacts:

• Nate Clark, ReFED
  nate.clark@refed.org
• Susan McCarthy, WWF
  susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org

February 25, 2026 /3BL/ – A new report from the U.S. Food Waste Pact (Pact), a collaborative initiative of 30 food businesses across the country led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund, shows reductions in the amount of food being wasted nationwide by grocery retail and foodservice companies in 2024 compared to 2023. The results are good news for the food system, as it tries to address its 60-million-ton food waste problem.

This is the second year that Pact signatories have reported these data, with 2023 results serving as the inaugural benchmark for food waste in these sectors. Unsold food rates, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the retail sector, decreased by 1.1% from 2023 to 2024, despite an increase in tons wasted. This means that while market fluctuations and business performance across the retail sector resulted in more food passing through grocery stores, food waste still decreased based on the share of retail inventory that went unsold. The food efficiency rate, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the foodservice sector, decreased by 5.7% from 2023 to 2024, which was accompanied by a 4,000 ton reduction in waste and a $15.9 million decrease in the wholesale cost of surplus food.

“Being able to measure these kinds of trends is a core reason for why we launched the U.S. Food Waste Pact over two years ago,” Jackie Suggitt, vice president of business initiatives & community engagement at ReFED said. “Measuring food waste is critical to making progress to reduce it. This kind of data allows our signatories and food businesses across the country to take informed and targeted action against food waste.”

In addition to these downward trends in retail and foodservice, the report shares that Pact pilot projects to test and scale solutions to food waste resulted in significant reductions. To date, these pilots have demonstrated food waste reduction averaging more than 50%, including:

• Across four pilots, frontline workers have generated 750+ food waste reduction ideas and have implemented over ten ideas, resulting in an average food waste reduction of 66%.
• One whole chain pilot from 2025 that tested a solution to utilize more strawberries in the foodservice sector reduced on-farm strawberry waste by 51%.
• The Pact’s first low-waste events pilot implementing measurement practices and testing several solutions to back-of-house waste reduced 55% of food waste in key food categories across participating sites.

 

“Our pilots show impressive proof of concept that, if brought to scale, could have staggering impacts on food waste,” Pete Pearson, vice president of food loss and waste at World Wildlife Fund says. “It points to the need for more collaboration across the supply chain to leverage simple solutions with high returns.”

“Being a part of the U.S. Food Waste Pact has been incredibly valuable for ALDI,” says Emily Wiora, sustainability director at ALDI US. “As a founding signatory, collaborating openly with our peers has accelerated our progress and provided insights that we excitedly share with fellow signatories. As the Pact grows, so does its impact on reducing food waste nationwide. Together, we are making meaningful strides in food waste diversion and reduction, and we take pride in being part of the retail cohort that established the national benchmark for food waste in our industry.”

A total of 14 food businesses and organizations joined the Pact in 2025, nearly doubling the initiative’s signatory base. Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods established a food distribution cohort for the Pact, and CAVA, Starbucks, and Wawa tripled the quick-service restaurant cohort. Hilton was the Pact’s first hospitality signatory, and at the end of the year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association joined as a coalition signatory, a partner that can reach many organizations. Trade associations Western Growers Association and the International Fresh Produce Association helped the Pact establish a presence in the producer sector, and FMI—The Food Industry Association’s joining marked a critical milestone for the Pact because the association touches every corner of the food system. These signatories and more have expanded the Pact’s work across the entire supply chain, allowing for more collaboration to accelerate impact.

“This was a landmark year for the U.S. Food Waste Pact,” says Dana Gunders, president of ReFED. “Our signatories are deeply invested in learning from each other, and the impact of that shared knowledge shows. Whether on a micro scale through pilots or on a macro scale through their own business initiatives, they are taking data-informed action to reduce food waste, and their collaboration is accelerating progress on that shared goal. We’re excited to deepen our engagement with signatories this year as we focus on expanding our resources and scaling solution adoption.”

The signatories of the U.S. Food Waste Pact are retailers Albertsons Companies, Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, New Seasons Market, Raley’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Inc., and Whole Foods Market; manufacturers Bob’s Red Mill, Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, and Lamb Weston, Inc.; coalition signatories Health Care Without Harm and R&DE Stanford Food Institute; trade associations the American Hotel & Lodging Association, FMI—The Food Industry Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, and Western Growers Association; foodservice signatories Aramark, Compass Group USA, ISS Guckenheimer, and Sodexo USA; quick-service restaurants CAVA, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Wawa; hospitality signatory Hilton; and distributors Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods.

 

About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses and organizations to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through precompetitive working groups, and test and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

 

About ReFED

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with food businesses, funders, solution providers, policymakers, and more to solve food waste. Its vision is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow. The organization serves as the definitive source for food waste data, providing the most comprehensive analysis of the food waste problem and solutions to address it. Through its tools and resources, in-person and virtual convenings, and services tailored to help businesses, funders, and solution providers scale their impact, ReFED works to increase adoption of food waste solutions across the supply chain. To learn more about ReFED and solutions to reduce food waste, please visit www.refed.org.

 

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis.

 

Media Contacts:

• Nate Clark, ReFED
  nate.clark@refed.org
• Susan McCarthy, WWF
  susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org